3 Reasons to Enjoy Your Halloween Chocolate!

chocolate love

Go on and indulge in your favorite Halloween treat. Chocolate. Dark chocolate is best if you are aiming for optimum health benefits. Here are three reasons why you can feel good about your favorite sweet treat..

3 Reasons to Enjoy Your Halloween Chocolate

1. ANTIOXIDANTS. I know, you have heard this before, but a reminder never hurts, Dark chocolate (cacao) is rich in antioxidants! Those antioxidants help fight free radicals that can weaken your immune system, contribute to the aging process and more. Fight free radicals with a giant chunk of rich dark chocolate. Get more info on chocolate antioxidants for your health from Harvard.

2. BRAIN HEALTH. Dark chocolate has been known to stimulate happy, calm feelings in your brain. Chocolate may even make you smarter! Yup, it may increase focus and brain function according to this study via Science Daily. And it may also guard against brain injury from stroke, says one John Hopkins study.

3. LIVE LONGER. You may be around TWO years longer to enjoy your favorite treat if you load up on it on a regular basis, says one Harvard study, referenced in SMH.com. Check this quip out:

ADD 2 YEARS: EAT CHOCOLATE Studies have suggested that dark chocolate is good for the heart and may boost longevity. Research based on Harvard graduates showed chocolate eaters lived a year or so longer than those who did not indulge. Those who ate one to three bars a month came out best, with a 36 per cent lower risk of premature death. Antioxidants, especially in dark chocolate, may be responsible. See the full article for more longevity tips!

Make your own chocolate candy bar how-to on Healthy. Happy. Life. (as shown in image above!)

PHOTO CREDIT: Kathy Patalsky

Read more from Kathy on her blog, Healthy. Happy. Life.

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More on Family Kitchen:

* Dark Chocolate Maple Cocoa
* 11 Flavors that Pair with Pumpkin
* 16 Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes + Giveaway
* 25 Genius Recipes that Infuse Fall into Breakfast
* 10 Spooky Vegan Recipes for October
* Speculoos Pecan Maple Cheesecake (vegan)
* Healthy Fall Pumpkin get the facts!

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Dark Chocolate Maple Cocoa

maple cocoa

Cocoa cravings are a part of fall bliss. This dairy-free Dark Chocolate Maple Cocoa is one of my favorite go-to recipes that helps me satisfy my cocoa craving. Rich dark chocolate cacao powder blends with maple for a truly unique flavor to crave. Plus a few of my secret ingredient accents blended in as well..

Dark Chocolate Maple Cocoa
vegan, serves 1

12 ounces soy milk, vanilla (or use almond, rice or another non-dairy milk)
1 heaping Tbsp dark chocolate cacao powder (milk and sweetener-free)
1-2 Tbsp maple syrup (grade B is my preference for rich maple flavor)
pinch of cinnamon
2-3 dashes of cayenne

Directions:

1. Heat the non-dairy milk in the microwave until very hot.
2. Using a mesh strainer, sift in the powdered cocoa while stirring very briskly. Stir until any clumps have melted away. Place back in the microwave for a few additional seconds if needed to fully melt in the cocoa powder.
3. Stir in the spices and maple syrup.

Serve steamy hot. Soy, rice or coconut cream on top is optional. You could add in a shot of espresso if youd like.

maple cocoa, vegan

Read more from Kathy on her blog, Healthy. Happy. Life.

Follow Kathy on Facebook and Twitter for updates!

Dont miss the latest from Family Kitchen Like Us on Facebook!

More on Family Kitchen:

* 16 Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes + Giveaway
* 25 Genius Recipes that Infuse Fall into Breakfast
* 10 Spooky Vegan Recipes for October
* Speculoos Pecan Maple Cheesecake (vegan)
* Healthy Fall Pumpkin get the facts!

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Its snowing. (Where I live, anyway.) That means hot chocolate season that time of year when kids seem to have an insatiable need for frothy mugs of warm chocolate. I like to forego the packaged mix, which is full of ingredients I dont recognize and cant pronounce, for a homemade version that I can whisk together in seconds. Make it the same way you prepare other instant hot chocolates using milk as a base, rather than water. Its the best way to get your chocolate fix when the temperature drops and packaged in a vintage jar, makes a delicious and inexpensive gift, too.

Of course homemade hot chocolate mix is completely customizable add a pinch of cinnamon, or even chiles, to make spiced hot chocolate, or add a handful of mini marshmallows now so you wont have to later. To get fancy, shave some dark chocolate into your mix using a vegetable peeler or box grater or sprinkle some on top of your hot chocolate once its made.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

adapted from Martha Stewart

3 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 cups cocoa
1 tsp. salt
Milk, for serving

In a large bowl or zip-lock bag, combine the sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir or shake to combine and store in airtight jars or zip-lock bags. To serve, stir a large, heaping spoonful into 1 cup of warm milk, or make a larger batch on the stovetop by whisking in 1-2 Tbsp. of mix per 1 cup of milk, or to taste.

Serve warm.

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Upsidedown Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

Remember those classic 7-Layer Bars of yesteryear? This new version is even easier, tastier, and super crazy delicious. Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes is all you need to put it all together. Bake and let cool slightly before delving into this masterpiece of gooey chocolate, salted peanut butter, and sheer dessert heaven.

Upsidedown Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

• 4 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup peanut butter, melted with 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 bag good-quality dark chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Line an 811 baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, use a fork to combine the crushed graham crackers, melted peanut butter, butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of prepared dish. Spread chocolate chips over the crust. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk on top. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer is a golden brown. Remove and cool completely before slicing and serving.

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